Di Huang Shu Chapter 27

 

      In just one day, the entire Mu Tian Prefecture became bustling with activity. The news of Zhong Liwen's corruption, embezzlement of funds for river embankments, and forcible taking of relief grain,followed by his arrest and trial, spread throughout the entire prefecture. The notice in front of the government office attracted a crowd of people, as they came and went, eager to witness the unfolding events. After enduring years of oppression, the grievances of the common people reached their breaking point, and they could no longer bear it. Many common people, unable to bear the injustice any longer, even knelt outside the inn, begging the Crown Prince to severely punish Zhong Liwen and the unscrupulous merchants, in order to get justice for them.

    For the inspection of Zhong Liwen, Han Ye instructed the relocation of the archives and account books from Mu Tian Prefecture, which had been kept for many years, into the inn. He sent Jian Song to escort the common people away, promising that they would definitely act with impartiality and make a fair judgment later. Afterwards, he and Wen Shuo carefully examined and investigated in the study room.

    

    Ren Anle has always disliked these wordy matters. She prefers to be alone, enjoying the coolness under the shade of a tree in a small courtyard.

    "Miss, there's someone seeking an audience outside the inn." Yuan Shu took a couple of steps into the small courtyard and called out loudly to Ren Anle, who was lazily resting under the tree.

    At Mu Tian Prefecture, everyone is busy with tasks inside and outside, all working tirelessly for that unseen and mysterious account books. Only the Mountain King, if possible, avoids getting involved, thinking that these matters do not concern her.

   

    Ren Anle squinted her eyes and waved her hand towards Yuan Shu, saying, "Not seeing, not seeing. Since I arrived at the Mu Tian Prefecture, your Young Lady immediately locked up corrupt officials and gained a great reputation. Many people are seeking an audience with me. How can I spare the time?"

    Yuan Shu hummed and leaned against the courtyard gate. "It was the old man who spoke to the young lady in the refugee camp that day. He said his son has returned. Today, he came with his son to thank you for saving them. 

    Ren Anle raised his eyebrows slightly, showing a delighted expression. "In Anle Village, there's hardly anyone willing to chat with me like this Elder. I have engaged in several battles where I fought against a hundred opponents alone, and it just so happens that reminiscing about those battles is a good way to pass the time. Yuan Shu, please brew a cup of good tea and invite the Old sir inside.

    Yuan Shu made an effort to minimize the obvious twitching of her temples. She nodded her head with a distressed expression as she walked out of the small courtyard.

    Miss, it's precisely because of your heroic and mighty deeds that your reputation as a skilled warrior has spread far and wide. However...who would dare to marry you now ah!

    Yuan Shu chattered incessantly, muttering to herself until he led the Old man and his son into a small courtyard. There, she squatted outside, counting ants for a short while, until she was startled awake by her young lady's exclamation of 'Heaven help me'. She turned back and saw Ren Anle suddenly appear outside the Crown Prince's study. With one foot, Ren Anle kicked open the main gate and walked in, striding arrogantly and with her head held high.

天助我也 (tiān zhù wǒ yě) translates to "Heaven help me" or "Thank goodness" in English. It is an expression used to express relief, gratitude, or a sense of divine intervention when something positive or helpful happens in a difficult or challenging situation.

    

    She swallowed her saliva, carefully calculating the expenses required to replace a wooden door. Her whole body began to ache, then she clutched her wallet and disappeared at the entrance of the courtyard on tiptoes faster than Ren Anle.

    In the study, Han Ye frowned and looked at Ren Anle, who had a smug expression on her face. He rubbed his forehead and sighed, "What's the matter this time? The food prepared by the cook doesn't suit your taste, or is it because the sun in the courtyard is too scorching? Someone, get another cook and pick some plantain leaves..."

    

       "None of them," Ren Anle narrowed her eyes, smiling like a cunning fox, and took out a thick stack of account books from behind. She shook her head and said, "Your Highness, take a look. These are the account books of the Mu Tian Prefecture."

    Han Ye was slightly stunned as he got up and walked towards Ren Anle. With a serious expression, he asked, "Really? From where did you get it?"

    "Two days ago, when I went to the refugee camp, I saved an old man. Today, he came to pay his respects, and I learned that his son was one of the supervisors involved in building the river embankment last year. At that time, he secretly kept a copy of the account books and, after escaping back to Zhao village, he found out that I had saved his only son and father. That's why he sent us the evidence."

    "If Zhong Liwen was missing a copy, it would be impossible not to know about it. Did the manager copy it himself?"

    

    Ren Anle shook his head and said, "This person is a master at imitating calligraphy. The one he gave to Zhong Liwen was his imitation, while this one is the authentic work."

    

    When this statement was made, Han Ye was genuinely astonished. After all, only Wen Shuo could identify other officials involved in the case from the authentic works. He then reached out his hand towards the account books, but Ren Anle dodged to the side. She raised an eyebrow and said, "Your Highness, there is a significant gift in here. If I hand it over to you, you must fulfill one of my wishes in the future."

    

    "Oh? What wish? To take control of the Eastern Palace?" Han Ye stretched out his hand and stared at Ren Anle with a playful expression.

    "Rest assured, I disdain taking advantage of someone's peril. I'll let you know when I think of it later. I'm going to bask in the sun." With a dismissive gesture, Ren Anle threw the account book into Han Ye's hands and swiftly disappeared.

    

    Han Ye shook his head and smiled bitterly as he walked towards Wen Shuo, holding the account book. "Wen Shuo, come and take a look, see if there are other officials' handwriting..."

    Halfway through speaking, his hand flipping through the account book suddenly stopped. Wen Shuo noticed that there was something unusual in his expression, so he asked, "Your Highness, is there a problem with the account book?"

    Han Ye solemnly observed for a while before speaking in a serious tone. He said, "She did indeed present a significant gift to Gu. No wonder Prince Mu values the Mu Tian Prefecture so much. Gu originally thought he feared Gu would uncover embezzlement related to the riverbank funds, but now it appears that what he truly fears is Gu discovering where the riverbank funds were directed."

     "Your Highness? Wasn't the embankment fund sent to the capital by Zhong Liwen to offer it as a tribute to Prince Mu?"

    " No," Han Ye's eyes sank dreadfully, "The funds for the river embankment never went to the capital but instead went to Gong County."

    " Gong County?!" Wen Shuo exclaimed in disbelief.

    "Gong County is located in the outskirts of Mut ian Prefecture, and it has been a place for smelting weapons in the Jiangnan region. Throughout history, it has been under the jurisdiction of the imperial court, and no one can enter or leave without the emperor's decree. If Prince Mu can send all the embezzled silver to Gong County, there is only one possibility... The vital military power of Great Jing has fallen into his control!"

    

江南 (Jiangnan): Refers to the southern region of the Yangtze River

"Your Highness, we must quickly enter the capital and present the account books to His Majesty. If Prince Mu were to discover that we have obtained the internal accounts, it could be dangerous for Your Highness. Exposing Prince Mu's embezzlement of funds allocated for riverbank construction may only harm his reputation, but if this matter is revealed, even though he is the Emperor's eldest son, he would not escape imperial punishment. Considering both aspects, this matter is much more serious."

        "In the current situation, Gu cannot return to the capital yet. The matters in Jiangnan remain unresolved, and the people here are restless day after day. Gu's promise is as weighty as Mount Tai; Gu cannot easily break it. Besides, Gu suspects that the secret guards from the Mu Wang's residence are probably already on their way to the Mu Tian prefecture."

     "What does Your Highness mean? Just a moment ago, Ren daren brought the account book. Prince Mu is currently far away in the capital..."

    "Gu has locked Zhong Liwen, with Mu Wang's caution, he will certainly think that Gu has already drawn out the whereabouts of the funds related to the river embankment from Zhong Liwen's mouth. To be on the safe side, he won't stop." Han Ye slightly frowned and waved to Wen Shuo, "Wen Shuo, tonight you must investigate all other officials involved in the case. Gu wants this case to be thoroughly investigated within two days, so we can return to the capital as soon as possible."

    Wen Shuo nodded, noticing Han Ye was a little absent-minded while staring at the account books, he called out, "Your Highness?"

    Han Ye forced a bitter smile, closed the account book, and let out a soft sigh, saying, "Wen Shuo, Gu owe Ren Anle an enormous favor, and Gu's afraid it won't be easy to repay."

    Wen Shuo remained silent, understanding the meaning behind Han Ye's words. If Ren Anle presented the account book personally to Emperor Jia Ning, the merits achieved would be enough to promote her to a high-ranking position. However, she entrusted it to Han Ye, which showed her intention of yielding. This time at the Mu Tian Prefecture, she helped His Highness a lot but didn't vie for credit, demonstrating her carefree and unrestrained nature. Such a woman is indeed rare to encounter in one's lifetime.

        

    

      

    

    In the deep night, inside the Crown Prince's study, the candlelight was burning continuously. One after another, fast horses galloped out from the inn, heading towards the nearby Mu Tian Prefecture and the county yamen.

    

    Wen Shuo's memory is indeed impressive. Just now, a total of twenty-four fast horses were sent out.

    Ren Anle stood by the window, clad in a night robe with her long hair untamed and wet, yawning sleepily, and smiling.

       "It seems that twelve officials are involved in the case. Mu Tian Prefecture is not large, but there are quite a few corrupt officials." Yuan Qin sighed behind An Le, expressing her emotions.

    "If the upper beam is not straight, the lower beam will be crooked," Ren Anle said calmly and turned to walk toward the bed. "Yuan Qin, put out the lamp. There's no need to wake me up tomorrow."

"If the upper beam is not straight, the lower beam will be crooked" or "As the superior sets the example, so the inferior follows." It implies that if those in higher positions do not act properly or set a good example, those beneath them are likely to follow suit and behave improperly as well.

    "Tomorrow, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will be presiding over a trial at the government office. Miss, will you not go?"

    "Too lazy to go."

    "If Your Highness comes to invite, what then?"

    "Just say... This lady needs to replenish her energy to protect his life, so don't bother me with these trivial matters!"

    Yuan Qin blinked her eyes, looking at Ren Anle, who was peacefully asleep, and had already begun to anticipate the expression on the Crown Prince's face tomorrow morning after hearing this sentence. 

    

    On the second day at noon, outside the inn, the sound of gongs and drums continued for a long time, and almost all the people of Mutian Prefecture gathered in front of the Prefectural Office. Yuan Qin was preparing tea in her room when she recalled how the Crown Prince had left without saying a word and unchanged expression after hearing Ren Anle's words this morning. She felt bored and raised her hand to rest her chin, and then she saw her own young lady, wrapped in a quilt, sitting cross-legged on the couch, yawning with half-opened eyes, looking extremely lazy.

    "Why, has the trial started?" Ren Anle swayed and seemed about to collapse, as if she was about to close her eyes and fall asleep again in the next moment.

    Yuan Qin stepped forward and wiped her face forcibly on her behalf. "It's been quite a while, Miss. Don't you want to take a look? I heard from the accompanying guards that His Royal Highness was quite imposing and reprimanded the group of officials brought back to the government office to the point of leaving them speechless."

    Ren Anle lazily stretched her waist, relishing the soothing feeling as her muscles and bones intertwined. Holding the warm tea Yuan Qin handed over, she walked to the window and said, "He's busy fulfilling his duties as the crown prince in this prosperous era, why should I bother joining in the excitement."

    "But if not for Miss, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's visit to the Mu Tian Prefecture would not have been so successful." Yuan Qin put down her teacup and spoke gently, her eyes filled with profound wisdom, clarity, and sparkling intelligence. 

    "Nevermind, some things must be returned sooner or later, so it's better to do it sooner." Ren Anle sighed and instructed gently, "Yuan Qin, pack your things, it's time to return to the capital."

    Yuan Qin was taken aback for a moment, but then she immediately nodded and responded by stepping back.

    Two hours later, the news of the court's verdict spread throughout the Mu Tian Prefecture. Prefect Zhong Liwen was found guilty of embezzling relief funds and diverting money meant for the maintenance of the river embankments. He was sentenced to be executed after the autumn. The remaining twelve officials were also involved in corrupt practices and were dismissed from their positions to be investigated further. In the meantime, their duties would be temporarily taken over by local county officials until the imperial court dispatched new officials. As for the ten or so wealthy merchants in Mu Tian Prefecture, all of their assets were confiscated by the Crown Prince to be used for disaster relief.

 

    After the completion of this case, the name of Crown Prince Han Ye 's virtue and benevolence spread throughout the Jiangnan region. Along with him, the official Ren Anle, who came here together, also became a well-praised and highly-regarded official among the common people.

   "Since Your Highness has found the evidence of Prince Mu secretly refining weapons, why didn't Your Highness make it public in the hall just now?" As they approached the inn, Jian Song cautiously asked the Crown Prince.

    "This matter is of great importance, after all, it involves the imperial family's private affairs. If it were to become known to the world, it would not be very beneficial for our imperial family. Returning to the capital early and presenting the evidence to Imperial Father is the best course of action."

    "Your humble servant speculates that Mu Wang will not easily stop his actions, and Your Highness's safety may become a concern."

    In the midst of the conversation, the thundering sound of galloping horse hooves came from the other side of the street. The rhythmic hoofbeats exuded an awe-inspiring presence. He raised his head, and to his surprise, he saw General Shi leading the way on horseback. "Your Highness, isn't General Shi supposed to arrive two days later?"

    Han Ye responded calmly, "That was a deliberate deception aimed at Zhong Liwen. Otherwise, why would he let his guard down? Zhengyan arrived ten li outside the Mu Tian Prefecture two days ago."

   In the midst of their conversation, Shi Zhengyan had already rushed to Han Ye's side, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Your Highness, the disaster relief funds and accompanying guards have all arrived. This humble official has already instructed the deputy general to purchase grain from nearby cities to aid the people in need."

    Han Ye nodded, "Zheng Yan, you hand over other matters to Vice General Zhou. We will set off for the capital city tonight."

    Shi Zhengyan dismounted from his horse and walked side by side with Han Ye towards the inn. He asked, "Why is Your Highness in such a hurry?"

    

    Han Ye's footsteps came to a halt, and he gazed towards the backyard of the inn. A subtle smile played on the corners of his lips, bearing profound meaning as he spoke, "Someone has presented Gu with a generous gift. It's time to return to the capital."

    

    Shi Zhengyan, not knowing the reason, lifted his head towards the direction of the crown prince's residence, only to see a crimson figure disappear by the window.

    

    In the evening, after all the matters at the Mu Tian Prefecture were finished, except for Deputy General Zhou who stayed behind to handle the aftermath, the Crown Prince and his entourage left the Ping'an Inn and slowly headed towards the outskirts of the city.

    At this moment, the sky was slightly dark, and Han Ye thought he could leave the city unimpeded. He immediately departed, but unexpectedly, after only a few hundred meters, the carriage came to a halt. The hesitant voice of Shi Zhengyan came from outside the carriage, "Your Highness..."

    Han Ye couldn't fathom what could make Shi Zhengyan, the resolute warrior who never retreated a step on the battlefield, come to a halt. As he exchanged glances with Ren Anle, a smile formed on his face, and he casually lifted the curtain to look outside. However, in just an instant, his carefree expression turned solemn. The hand holding the curtain paused, and even Ren Anle, upon witnessing the scene outside, abandoned her playful demeanor.

    As dusk fell, covering the world in misty hues, countless lamps ablazed the surroundings.

    Both sides of the street were filled with common people dressed in plain clothing. Upon catching sight of the Crown Prince, they promptly dropped to their knees. The echoes of their collective voices reverberated throughout the entirety of Mu Tian Prefecture.

     "Your Highness, the Crown Prince, may His Highness live for a thousand years, for a thousand years, for thousands and thousands of years. We respectfully send His Highness off as His Highness returns to the capital."

    Without any words of praise, it was just an ordinary sentence for the royal family. However, as Han Ye watched the simple farewell of the townspeople with his own eyes, an indescribable sense of pride and satisfaction filled his heart.

    This is his people, who have endured numerous hardships and natural disasters, yet remain loyal to this land, understanding the virtue of gratitude, his loyal subjects.

    Han Ye slowly rose and walked to the front of the carriage's wooden planks, signalling the convoy to move forward.

 

"Gu respectfully thanks all of you."

"Gu respectfully thanks all of you."

    

……

    The elegant and resolute voice repeatedly echoed on the crowded yet quiet streets of the Mu Tian city. The Eastern Palace Imperial Guards held their halberds up towards the sky, guarding their Crown Prince.

    Looking from a distance, tthe bright yellow carriage of the Crown Prince exudes an aura of dignity and reverence.

    At some unknown time, Ren Anle gazed quietly at the white figure in front of the carriage. In the deep recesses of her ink-dark eyes, there stirred an extremely shallow ripple.

   Five days later, the Crown Prince's entourage arrived at the Jin Xian Prefecture. This location was only a two-day journey away from the Capital city. The calm and peaceful journey all the way relieved the strict and vigilant Shi Zhengyan of his worries.

    On the morning of the second day, Shi Zhengyan and Ren Anle urged the Crown Prince to depart. However, they saw Jian Song coming out from the room, followed by Han Ye, who was dressed in plain clothes. 

   

    "Zhengyan, you and the Imperial Guards, stay here for now. Gu have a place to go. Once Gu return, we will then set off back to the capital."

    "Your Highness, why not return to the capital first? The road is quite unsafe. If Your Highness insists on going, this subordinate will accompany Your Highness on the journey," Jian Song advised, somewhat surprised.

"Nothing to worry about. Bringing the guards along will suffice. That place is just a day's journey from here. Gu will return within two days.

    Shi Zhengyan slightly furrowed his brow; a hint of realization appeared in his eyes. He didn't object but merely said, "This humble subject will stay here until Your Highness returns. Commander Jian, the responsibility for Your Highness's safety is entrusted to you."

    Jian Song nodded with a serious expression.

    

    After seeing that Han Ye had already made a decision, Ren Anle shrugged her shoulders and yawned, preparing to go back to sleep. However, to her surprise, Han Ye, who had already reached the door, suddenly turned around and said, "Anle, come with me."

    Apart from Ren Anle, the expressions of the other two people in the hall were all stunned. Shi Zhengyan, who was usually reserved, had a pair of silent eyes that kept moving around Ren Anle back and forth for a long time without averting his gaze.

    Ren Anle felt a bit uneasy and gave a slight cough before asking, "Your Highness, where are we going?"

    Han Ye did not respond to her. He walked straight out of the courtyard gate and leapt onto his horse. Ren Anle pouted her lips and reluctantly shuffled forward, feeling bitter about her hardworking fate.

    

    Waiting until a few people had gone far away, Wen Shuo slipped out from behind the hall and asked Shi Zhengyan, "General, where did His Highness go?"

    "Cang mountain." 

    

    Shi Zhengyan spoke just two simple words, but it made Young Master Wen momentarily speechless: "Cang mountain, you're saying His Highness went to Cang mountain and even took Ren Anle with him?"

    After a moment of silence, Shi Zheng yan looked at the young man who was taking small, hurried steps in the hall and muttering randomly. A faint smile appeared in the depths of his eyes.

    He also thought that in this lifetime, the Crown Prince would never take anyone there, except for the one from the Di family. 

    

    

    One day later, several riders rushing along the official road came to a stop at the foot of a mountain.

    This mountain extends unbroken for a thousand miles, towering and entering the clouds, exhibiting a completely imposing and grandiose momentum.

    

    More conspicuous were the bright yellow flags at the foot of the mountain and the inner palace guards holding long knives, standing in strict formation.

    Presumably very familiar with Han Ye, the guards stationed at the mountain respectfully made way for this group of people from a distance.

    Han Ye dismounted from his horse and faced the dust-covered and weary Ren Anle behind him. He solemnly said, "Anle, this place is Cang Mountain. Every year on this day, I always come here."

    After speaking, he took the lead and walked slowly towards the mountaintop.

    Cang mountain, who among Great Jing's people doesn't know about Cang mountain.

    The tomb of the founding emperor, Han Zi'an, is right here.

    Ren Anle remained silent. She merely gazed at the figure ahead, moving slowly. Her steps came to a halt.

    She raised her head and gazed into the distance, where the morning sun was beginning its ascent. The green mountains stretched high, disappearing into the misty clouds—everything seemed unchanged.

    Just like in that year, she held the young man's hand and climbed all one thousand two hundred and thirty-one steps of the stone staircase.

    

    Come and meet that heroic emperor who bestowed upon her a lifetime of glory.

    Han Ye, I never knew that in my lifetime, I would step into this place again.

    

❊𑁍❊𑁍❊𑁍❊

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